|
Blue Man Group
Venus Hum
|
|
Atlanta Civic Center
Atlanta, GA
8/23/2003
By: Lindsey M. Keen
|
Three men in skullcaps, cobalt blue face (and head) paint, silent lips and perpetual glazed looks entertain a sold out crowd with customized PVC pipe musical instruments known as "Drumbone" and "Tubulums."
The entertaining and energetic modern music of the world-renowned Blue Man Group began in Greenwich Village, New York City, developed by three entrepreneurs: Matt Goldman, Phil Stanton and Chris Wink. They first debuted the concept in the late 80’s, but it wasn’t until 1991 when the theatrical trio unveiled an official tour for Broadway.
This out-of-the-world experience reveals a new direction in rock music, yet portrayed by anti-rock stars, moving it to a new level of intensity by focusing on tribal-like drumming with the addition of over-the-top versions of many pop cultural tools: turntables and a huge video screen with audio-visuals, lights and special effects. Sure they’re trying to manipulate the audience by exceptional sound and incredible visuals that captivate the active mind of any concertgoer, but their one-of-a-kind gig at the Atlanta Civic Center convinced this jam-packed auditorium that their new favorite color is blue.
The audience was constantly involved in the cosmological performance as a multimedia tutorial explained the "Rock Concert Movements": number one "the head bob", two "the one-armed fist pump", and three "the up-and-down jumping motion" not to mention many others. It’s amazing to watch a theater packed with the most diverse crowd simultaneously collaborating with the band's avant garde style, clinging on and waiting for the next "Rock Concert Movement."
Annette Strean (of the Nashville rock group Venus Hum), poised in a hypnotic electric dress of multi-flashing colors that changed with each note, appeared on stage with the Blue Man Group for an entertaining remediation of Donna Summer’s "I Feel Love," mesmerizing the listeners with a jaw dropping vocal solo. The talented Tracy Bonham emerged for four songs, displaying her awing vocal range and taking a part in the band with her distinctive sounding electric fiddle.
Actually, I didn’t know what to think when I walked in the front door and handed my ticket over to the house staff. I heard about their exceptionally unique approach to music - the emotionless faces and exaggerated drums. Yet, nothing can compare to actually being there live.
The Blue Man Group are wrapping up the last leg of this tour for their new album Complex, which features Dave Matthews, Gavin Rossdale, Rob Swift, Venus Hum and Tracy Bonham. This sold out tour travels quickly across America, and hopefully it will stop in a town near you next season. So move fast if you want tickets, because this show is for all ages and always sells out in advance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
